Regency open robe progress

[madamemodiste]

So I ended up choosing a faux black silk dupioni for the open robe. On an aside, I also ended up ordering the Period Impressions 1809 spencer jacket pattern. A miracle might happen and I might be able to whip it out the week before the event. You never know.

OK, so!! I had meant to add sleeves and do the Marianne front tab, but I put on the audio book of Sense and Sensibility, and before I knew it, the whole bodice was together complete with lining. The lining went on in such a crazy and new way (to me), that I didn't realize I was finishing all the edges before the sleeves and front tabs went on. It's too late for the sleeves, but I can still open up the CF and put in the front tab if I feel like it.

Also, I wish I would have thought of this in the beginning, but I should have used the back of the S&S pattern for the robe bodice. The Butterick version uses darts instead of having a separate side piece, which is obviously not period correct. But like I said, I was just trying to whip this out fast and wasn't thinking. Try not to stare horrified at my modern construction!

No photos yet because right now it just looks like some 1970's vest on a Regency dress.

So today I need to do the hem, do the front tabs, put the skirt on the bodice, and it's done.

Comments

[quincy134.livejournal.com]

I love the PI spencer pattern, but the sleeves are tricky. I would recommend cutting them on the bias, plus trying to rotate them in the armholes a bit until you get less wrinkles. Otherwise the sleeves will hang funny. And for some reason the sleeves are about 5 inches too long.

I also have photos of how to construct that spencer by hand here:
http://quincy134.livejournal.com/47781.html
http://quincy134.livejournal.com/48792.html

[madamemodiste.livejournal.com]

I looove youuuuuuu!!! Thank you!

[chloeandrudy.livejournal.com]

I really liked the Butterick and got lots of compliments on it as an open robe, but I too didn't care for the modern back seams. Great idea using another bodice as the base of it.
I know no matter what you do, it will look fabulous, you fab lady. :) Back at you!

[marcine.livejournal.com]

The PI spencer goes together right quickly, but as [Bad username or site: quincy 134 @ livejournal.com] said, the sleeves are ridiculously long. It's been a while, but I don't remember having issues with fitting the sleeve in the armseye. I may have solved the extra sleeve issue with a few pleats at the back sleeve head. Anyway, I'm sure your version will be loverly!